““I reached and gave him a hug. Both arms around him. Both hands, on his back. At the same time. And then I didn't know what to do. Should I let go? Should I back away? Should I keep waiting for him to hug me back? How many Mississippis did I hug for? Eli's chest shook. Again. "Babe?" His voice was quivering and strained. I realized he was laughing. "You frozen in horror? Trying to figure out what to do now that you got me in a strangle move?" "Pretty much.””
